Non-Muslim residents of Bahrain and tourists are being invited to visit the Grand Mosque and its cultural centre all day long on the third day of Eid Al Adha, February 3, as part of an initiative to “communicate with others and correct the distorted image of Islam,” according to the event’s organiser.Ahmed Al Fateh Centre and Grand Mosque biannual Open House is also an opportunity “to share the wonderful spirit of the Eid with others,” said Bassam Bu Khuwa in an interview with Gulf News yesterday.Al Fateh is a landmark blending traditional and modern forms of Islamic architecture in a monument soaring 70 metres skywards. Named after the first ruler from Al Khalifa dynasty, the mosque was opened in 1988; its construction took four years at a cost of $20 million. Its total area is about 150,000 square metres of which 6,500 is occupied by the Grand Mosque, which can accommodate up to 7,000 worshippers. The mosque and the centre receive regularly around 10,000 non-Muslim visitors a year, including tourists, foreign schools, visiting ships, foreign diplomats and VIPs as well as residents and expats in Bahrain. More than 60 per cent of the visitors are Americans, Bu Khuwa said.However, open-houses, organised by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Discover Islam Center, take place only during Eid Al Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan and Eid Al Adha, which marks the end of the pilgrimage season.More than 900 people visited the mosque at the last open day event, on Eid Al Fitr last November, Bu Khuwa said. “Many of them told us they had a very nice time and left with a good impression.”Visitors enjoy a busy programme that is designed enhance their knowledge of Islamic architecture and traditions and give them the opportunity to interact with Muslims, he said. In addition to the valuable tour of the mosque and the centre, women can enjoy a session of Henna, the traditional hand painting. There is also the Majlis, the traditional Arab court, in which coffee, tea and sweets would be served. “Visitors can ask any question on their mind,” he said.”It is an expression of Islam’s tolerance,” added Bu Khuwa, “We want to communicate to those who are different of us and to also give them the chance to also know us better. It is an opportunity to build bridges of mutual understanding. We want to tell them that Islam is a religion of peace, a religion of noble ideas and humane values”He said “the awful acts of some Muslims” coupled with the hate campaign against Islam in the Western media, following the September 11 attacks, have contributed to Islam’s distorted image among non-Muslims. “Many of them think of Islam as a religion of violence and terrorism. We are inviting them to see the real thing.”Thirty volunteers, men and women, including Germans, French and Indians, will be at hand to assist. Visitors entering the mosque are requested to dress modestly, he said. “Head covers for women are available at the door.”